The Pied Piper of Saipan

Marine Private Guy Gabaldon was an 18 year old who became legendary during the Battle of Saipan.  Having grown up with a Japanese-American family in Los Angeles CA, he learned conversational Japanese a skill that would later save lives.
 
The Battle of Saipan began on June 15, 1944, and by June 24, the fighting had entered one of its fiercest phases as American forces pushed north across the island against determined Japanese resistance.  Gabaldon was already conducting dangerous solo missions, persuading Japanese soldiers and civilians hiding in caves to surrender rather than die.  
 
His most famous exploit came on July 8, 1944, when he reportedly persuaded more than 800 Japanese soldiers and civilians to surrender – An extraordinary achievement that earned him the nickname, “The Pied Piper of Saipan.”  By the end of the campaign, he was credited with capturing approximately 1,500 enemy soldiers and civilians.  His commanding officer recommended him for the Medal of Honor, though he ultimately received the Navy Cross (Upgraded from the Silver Star decades later).